Did You Get the Memo?

Running a book signing event organization gives a person a distinct advantage. On the day of the event, we walk past the author tables periodically, checking in with them, asking questions about the event, and getting feedback, but the most important thing we do is observe. What are we looking for? We are looking for what works and what doesn’t.

Recently, many first-time book-signing authors have been coming to our events, and they have many questions.

All of these questions are good, but they made me think about those walks through the events. What do we bring to the table? Like authors and their books, table accouterments come in many varieties. I have seen everything from tables adhering to the minimalist concept to the equivalent of a hoarder’s paradise.

I lend my observations here as pure opinion, so take them as such. There is too little on the table, and patrons judge the table as not doing well. Hence, the book is not selling. Too much becomes overwhelming. Their eyes don’t know where to look first. Having said this, I should add a second factor. That is one of age. Trying not to sound agist, I’ll continue. It seems that younger people prefer more items on a table to dart through, while the more seasoned prefer to focus on the matter.

Aim for a middle-ground approach if you're trying to balance your chances. I recommend placing just enough items on the table to avoid distracting from your book(s) while ensuring there's enough room to move around without causing any items to fall. If you have a lot of items, store some in a container under the table. Pay attention to what is effective and what isn't, and rotate items as needed.

Lastly, remember that the table you set up represents you. People passing that table make that impression both consciously and unconsciously. Dress your table like you're standing in front of a mirror.

What do you bring to the table?

Luca DiMatteo, DPM